Sino Uganda Mbale Industrial Park officially launched a free water supply project, commenced the construction and expansion of a modern community market, and donated over 200 trash bins to support waste management and environmental cleanliness in Mbale City.
The landmark initiatives were received with excitement, gratitude and jubilation from residents, local leaders and traders, who described the interventions as life-changing investments that will improve livelihoods and enhance public health.
Speaking during the launch, Mr. Michael Hwang, one of the administrators of the industrial park, said the company was committed to giving back to communities that have continuously supported its operations.
He noted that access to clean and affordable water had remained one of the biggest challenges facing residents of Doko, forcing many families to spend significant amounts of money on water every day.
“Water is life. We listened to the concerns of the community and realized that many households were struggling to access clean water. As a responsible investor, we decided to establish this free water project through underground water extraction so that residents can have access to a reliable and safe source of water. This is our way of appreciating the people who have welcomed and supported us over the years,” Hwang said.
He emphasized that development should not only be measured by factories and production lines but also by the positive impact created in surrounding communities.
The Industrial Park’s Public Relations Officer (P.R.O) and spokesperson, Mr. Mushemeza Kennedy described the projects as part of the park’s long-term Corporate Social Responsibility program aimed at improving the welfare of surrounding communities.
According to Mushemeza, the donation of over 200 trash bins will significantly strengthen waste management efforts and help maintain cleanliness across the city.
“We believe that development must go hand in hand with environmental conservation. The trash bins we are donating today will support proper waste collection and disposal, reduce littering, and improve public health. A clean city attracts investors, tourists, and business opportunities,” he said.
He further explained that the construction and expansion of the community market will provide traders with a safer and more organized working environment.
“For years, many vendors have endured harsh weather conditions, operating under intense sunshine and during rainy seasons without proper shelter. The new market will offer dignity, safety, and better business opportunities for our people. Our vision is to build communities that grow together with industry,” Mushemeza added.
He further reaffirmed that Industrial Park’s commitment to supporting education, environmental sustainability, job creation, skills development, and community empowerment programs.
Mbale City Resident City Commissioner, Mr. George William Wopuwa commended the Industrial Park for demonstrating genuine commitment to community development.
“What Sino Uganda Mbale Industrial Park has done today is a practical example of responsible investment. The people of Doko have for years needed such interventions. This water project will improve sanitation and household welfare, while the market and dust bins will strengthen business and environmental management,” he said.
The RCC urged residents to protect the water infrastructure and guard against vandalism.
“These facilities belong to the people. Protect them, maintain them, and ensure they serve generations to come. Development succeeds when communities take ownership of projects intended for their benefit,” he emphasized.
Mbale City Mayor, Mrs. Joyce Kidulu Matuka praised the Industrial Park for demonstrating love and concern for the people through tangible actions.
“The image being portrayed by Sino Uganda Mbale Industrial Park is one of compassion, partnership, and development. This is the kind of investment that communities appreciate because it directly impacts people’s lives,” she said.
The mayor urged residents to utilize the water source responsibly and maintain cleanliness across the city.
“As a city, we are working hard to restore Mbale’s reputation as one of Uganda’s cleanest urban centres. The donation of over 200 trash bins is a major boost to our efforts. We appeal to every resident to embrace proper waste disposal and environmental conservation,” she said.
She also welcomed the construction of the market, noting that it would provide safer trading spaces and protect vendors from accidents and harsh weather conditions.
The Mayor encouraged market vendors to establish strong SACCOs that would help them access affordable credit, expand their businesses and improve household incomes.
Industrial City Division Mayor, Mr. Madoi Abdallah, described the water project as a catalyst for economic and social transformation.
“Access to clean water improves health, saves time and increases productivity. Families will now spend less money on water and more resources on development activities. This project is therefore an investment in the economic growth of our community,” he noted.
He added that the new market infrastructure would create a more organized trading environment while the donation of dust bins would support the city’s campaign against poor waste management.
“The combination of clean water, a modern market and improved sanitation creates the foundation for sustainable urban development,” Madoi said.
Industrial City Division Member of Parliament, Hon. Karim Masaba, applauded the Industrial Park for complementing government efforts in improving the welfare of the people.
“This partnership between investors, government and the community is exactly what we need to accelerate development. Water is a basic necessity, markets drive local economies and sanitation protects public health. These investments are therefore transformative,” he said.
To further support economic empowerment, Hon. Masaba contributed UGX 500,000 to the SACCO of market vendors and pledged to continue lobbying for more development opportunities for traders and residents.
“I want our market vendors to organize themselves, strengthen their SACCO and grow their businesses. My office remains committed to lobbying for additional support, infrastructure and programmes that can uplift household incomes and create prosperity,” he pledged.
Residents of Doko could not hide their excitement as they welcomed the projects with songs, applause and messages of appreciation.
One community elder described the free water project as “a dream come true,” saying many families had struggled for years with the burden of purchasing water.
“We have waited for this moment for a long time. Today our children and mothers will no longer walk long distances or spend money every day searching for water. This is a blessing to our community,” he said.
Another resident praised the Industrial Park for listening to the needs of ordinary citizens.
“Many investors come and do business, but few remember the people around them. Sino Uganda Mbale Industrial Park has shown that it values the community. We are grateful for the water, the market and the dust bins. This is development we can see and feel,” she said.
Market vendors also welcomed the construction of the new market, saying it would improve business operations and provide protection from adverse weather.
“We have suffered under the scorching sun and heavy rains for years. The new market will give us a safe and decent place to work. We thank Sino Uganda Mbale Industrial Park for thinking about our welfare,” one vendor remarked.
Beyond industrial growth and job creation, the park continues to demonstrate that true investment is measured not only by economic output but also by the positive transformation of communities.
